Cairo According to: Sherif Hafez

In the early days of the pandemic, when most of the rest of the city was shutting down, Sherif Hafez and his friends decided to go up. Specifically, Sherif, Youssef Shokry, and Omar Safar built Ascent Egypt, using no outside investments but plenty of their own blood, sweat, and chalk. Now, two branches and countless competitions later, Cairo’s first indoor climbing gym is a community all of its own.

Here, the Cairene climber gives us his ground-level take on the city, telling us where to find the best mezzes, where to experience Cairo of a different era, and where he takes his newborn on early morning walks.

What’s a place that means Cairo to you?

Agouza. I grew up there and I remember playing in a little park we had in front of our building. It was beautiful, safe and everyone knew each other.

Complete the following: Cairo is…

The place that always pulled me back in.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

Zamalek! Especially on Fridays because you can enjoy a quiet walk all over the island and recently this is our main activity with our newborn.

Your go-to food spot?

Restaurants with good mazzat. Pub 28, Five Bells, Café Riche and recently Almería in Downtown.

Your go-to café or bar?

For a bar, Pub 28 for sure. If you don't mind the smoke. Coffee: Amore Perfecto.

Your go-to date spot?

Bar hopping in Downtown.

What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

Ascent ;)

Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

اني اغرق – Abdelhalim Hafez

What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

Al Muizz Street at night. Closest feeling to experiencing Cairo in a different era.